Print media receiving unit including platform and print media

ABSTRACT

A print media receiving unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, the print media receiving unit comprises a platform that includes a surface adapted to receive a print medium comprising a spine. The spine may be disposed in a spine receiving portion in the platform. A location detection system capable of determining a location of a selected region of the print medium may be associated with the platform.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/777,262, filed on Feb. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,156which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/200,725, filed Apr. 27, 2000, which are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to platform-basedinteractive systems that provide audio or visual outputs. Otherembodiments are directed to interactive print media and games.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a variety of interactive electronic book devices in which abook is placed on a platform. The platform includes a detection systemwhere a generated response depends upon the portion of the book the userpoints to with a stylus or other pointing device. Such interactive booksare sometimes known as “talking books,” although more generally aninteractive book may use audio and visual outputs to interact with auser. Commonly, an interactive book device is configured to provide anaudio output related to a stylus position. For example, an interactivebook device for children may speak the names of words which are pointedto or play games when the child points at a picture. Althoughinteractive books are commonly sold as children's toys, they also havenumerous other potential applications as well.

One form of interactive book device utilizes an electronic proximitydetection system to detect the position of a stylus relative to asupport surface, with the book resting on the support surface such thatthe stylus is used to point to a region on an open page of the book.This permits a microprocessor or other control element to determine thelocation of the book to which the user pointed with the stylus. Thereare several technologies commonly used to electronically sense theposition of a stylus. In one approach, the support surface is aconventional graphics tablet and the stylus is a conventional graphicstablet pen. For example, the support surface of an interactive book maycomprise a conventional graphics pad having an array of sensing elementsthat are capacitively or inductively coupled to the stylus. In anotherapproach, the support surface may contain a grid-like array of radiatingantennas that are sequentially operated, such that the position of astylus may be determined by analyzing which of the antenna elementsproduces the strongest signals in the stylus. Still another approach isan electrographic sensor in which the support surface includes aconductive layer having three or more contacts, with the contacts beingpulsed in pairs with an RF signal such that the stylus receives signalstraversing at least two different paths, thereby permitting the positionof the stylus to be determined using a triangulation algorithm. Anelectrographic sensor using a triangulation algorithm is described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,686,705 and 5,877,458, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional prior art interactivebook device similar to that of U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,659. As can be seenin FIG. 1, a support surface 2 has a graphics tablet 1 upon which a book3 having open pages 4 and 5 is disposed. A graphics tablet pen 6 is usedto point to regions on the open pages of the book. An electrical cable 7couples graphics tablet pen 6 to graphics tablet 1. The position of thegraphics tablet pen 6 relative to the graphics tablet 1 is transmittedvia cable 8 to an electronic control element 9 and associated audiodevice 10 for producing an audio output 12 related to the position ofthe pen 6. For example, a user may use the pen 6 to point to a region 20or 22 on an open page. In turn, the electronic control element 9 andaudio devices may play a message related to region 20 or 22, i.e.,control element 9 utilizes the position data of the graphics tablet todetermine a corresponding message or sound to be presented. For example,region 20 or 22 may contain a picture of a cow such that when a userpoints the pen to region 20 or 22, the control electronics directs theaudio device to play a recording of a cow's moo.

In an interactive system of this type, high resolution is desirable sothat the user can touch or point a pen to a large number of differentpictures, symbols, or words in the book. However, conventionalinteractive book devices have poor resolution between neighboringregions. There are several physical limitations on the accuracy withwhich a pointer may be used to point to an area of interest. Onelimitation is the accuracy of the detection system used. For example, ifthe graphics tablet has a 3 millimeter resolution, interactive symbolsmust be more than 3 millimeters apart.

One factor that limits the resolution of conventional interactive booksystems is the accuracy with which the pages of a book are positionedrelative to the detection system. Conventional devices allow the bookletor document to shift slightly from side to side, thus interfering withresolution. Further, in a conventional system, the pages do not lie flatand evenly on the surface where detection takes place, for example,because the book binding constrains the pages of the book, as shown inprior art FIGS. 1 and 2.

As shown in the illustrative side view of the prior art, in FIG. 2,conventional interactive book devices are limited by the accuracy ofusing a pointer 240 to point to a specific region on a booklet pagebecause of the inherent flexure of the pages 210, 212, 214, 216, 220,222, 224, and 226 relative to a binding 230. Each page is slightlycurved relative to the underlying support 250. Moreover, the pagecurvature will depend, at least partially, on how hard and the anglewith which a user presses down upon an open page with the pointer. Whena user points to, say, point P, the variable curvature of page 210 mayresult, for example, in point P shifting from a position directly overdetector 268 to one between detector 266 and 268 or to a positionbetween detectors 270 and 268. For example, if a user presses thepointer hard upon the page, it will flatten and point P will movetransversely towards detector 266. Conversely, if the user applies nopressure, the page will have its maximum curvature and point P may lieclosest to detector 270.

In addition to the above problem, in conventional systems, the entirebooklet may shift position as the user turns the pages of the book.Referring again to FIG. 2, forces are transmitted to binding 230 fromthe act of turning the open pages. These forces can act to move bindingand shift the entire book relative to the support and detection systemit houses.

Another drawback with conventional interactive books is that the usermust remember to point to particular location indicia or symbols on eachpage of the book so that the audio signals can be correctly associatedwith the symbols and text on a particular page. For example, the symbolmay be a fish on one page, a bird on another, and a tiger on anotherpage. Each location indicia or symbol is placed on a differentsub-region along a border region of each page. However, if the userforgets to touch the pointer to the required location symbol, thecontrol electronics may be confused regarding which page is open. Otherthan a written instruction, there is no way to remind the user of theneed to touch the page-noting symbol with the pointer so a child whoforgets to turn the page is only confronted with the audio signals thatdo not correspond to the images.

Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to print media receivingunits, systems using print media receiving units, and print media forprint media receiving units and systems.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a multi-page print mediareceiving unit comprising: a) a platform including a position elementreceiving portion; b) one or more page tabs located near either one ortwo ends of a page pivot line corresponding to the position elementreceiving portion; and c) borders located on the platform at one or moreextremes of page travel away from the position element receivingportion.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a multi-page book foruse with a print media receiving unit comprising: a) a spiral spinecomprising a helical cord; b) a plurality of pages attached to the spinethrough perforations larger than the cord; and c) notches on at leastone of the upper and lower corners of each page near the spine; whereinthe notches are adapted to slide over tabs in the print media receivingunit.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a print mediareceiving unit comprising: a) a platform comprising a surface adapted toreceive a print medium; b) a location detection system capable ofdetermining a location of a selected region of the print medium; and c)a socket in the platform wherein the socket is capable of receiving amemory device.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a print mediareceiving unit comprising: a) a platform comprising a surface adapted toreceive a print medium; b) a location detection system capable ofdetermining a location of a selected region of the print medium; and c)a finger well, wherein the finger well is disposed to a side of thesurface.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a print mediareceiving unit comprising: a) a platform comprising a surface adapted toreceive a print medium comprising a spine; b) a spine receiving portionin the platform configured to receive the spine of the print medium, thespine receiving portion having a first end and a second end; c) alocation detection system capable of determining a location of aselected region of the print medium; and d) a plurality of tabs in theplatform, wherein the tabs are disposed at a location proximate to atleast one of the first end or the second end of the spine receivingportion.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a print mediareceiving unit comprising: a) a platform comprising a surface adapted toreceive a print medium comprising a spine, wherein the surface isdefined by edges that restrict the movement of the print medium whilethe print medium is on the platform; b) a spine receiving portionconfigured to receive the spine of the print medium, the spine receivingportion having a first end and a second end; c) a location detectionsystem capable of determining a location of a selected region of theprint medium; d) a plurality of tabs in the platform, wherein theplurality of tabs are at least one of the first end and the second endof the spine receiving portion; e) a socket in the platform wherein thesocket is capable of receiving a memory device; and f) a stylusoperatively coupled to the platform, wherein the stylus is adapted toselect regions of the print medium.

Other embodiments are directed to systems including the print mediareceiving units and the print media.

These and other embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a prior art interactive readingsystem.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a prior art interactive reading system.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a book element of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a foldable platform.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed perspective view of the platform guide tabs thatguide the book pages to a generally consistent position with respect tothe platform.

FIG. 6A shows a detailed perspective view of the light beam and rightside fingerwell according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B shows a detailed side-view of the right side finger-wellaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of the light beam finger-well logic.

FIG. 8A shows a top view of a foldable platform, in an openconfiguration, with the print media in place.

FIG. 8B shows a side bottom view of a foldable platform, in an openconfiguration, with the print media in place.

FIG. 8C shows a side view of a foldable platform, in a closedconfiguration, with the print media in place.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the platform configured to close with a bookin place.

FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view of a rigid platform element of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of an open book disposed on a platform of aprint media receiving unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention are directed to interactive media, anassociated interactive media receiving platform, and a registrationsystem for positioning the media on the platform. Interactive printmedia include documents, books, and games, particularly educationalbooks and games. It is also contemplated that a ridged 3-dimensionalrelief form can be placed on the interactive platform. In embodiments ofthe invention, the system can be handled easily by children as well asadults.

In one embodiment the invention, the invention comprises a platform, itsassociated electronics, and a book for use with an interactive readingand teaching system. The book may contain informational, instructionalor entertainment material. The platform is combined with amicroprocessor, speaker, stylus, and electronic means for detecting thearea on the platform to which the stylus is pointed. As the user turnsthe pages of the book, the user points to particular symbols, images,graphic patterns, or elements of graphic patterns on the pages of thebook. Much of the discussion below, for purposes of illustration, refersto symbols, but the invention is not so limited. When a user points ortouches the stylus to certain symbols on a page of the book, an audiosignal is initiated that is informational, educational or entertaining.For example, a word may be pronounced; a letter or entire word may bephonically sounded; ajoke may be told; the user may be asked to find andtouch a word or image on the page; or any of many other interactions maybe initiated.

In another example, after the user selects text or symbols on a printmedium, a question may be asked to the user. Alternatively oradditionally, the user may answer the question using the stylus. Forexample, the user may select a picture corresponding to a car if thequestion “can you find the car?” is asked. The print media receivingunit may respond to the user's selection by, for example, indicatingthat the selection is either right or wrong.

The platform embodiments may each have an inventive structural designthat allows easy placement of a book with a binding on the platform sothat the pages of the book lie flat on the surface of the platform. Thebook and its pages also are easily positioned so that the pagesconsistently locate over a specific region of the platform, even whenplaced by a child. As the pages are turned by a user who progressivelyviews and interacts with each page, the pages, after being turned,continue to lie flat either on the surface of the platform or as theystack on either side of the book binding. Furthermore, the book remainsin its initial position on the platform in spite of the manipulationthat occurs when the book pages are turned.

In some embodiments, the platform may have a detection mechanism todetermine when a user turns a page. For example, in order for thesymbols on a page to be properly associated with interactive dialog, amicroprocessor may be cued as to the page that the user is viewing.Typically, this is done by instructing the user to point to or touch thestylus to a symbol on the page. The selected symbol location may serveto cue the microprocessor as to the particular page with which the useris interacting. However children, and some adults, sometimes forget totouch the page information symbol each time a page is turned. Theinventive platform is configured so that when a user turns a page, theusers' fingers extend into indentations in the platform. Theindentations may be located along the outside edges of the opened book.A light beam is projected along the indentation and when a hand orfinger breaks the light beam, that event is detected by themicroprocessor.

The platform is additionally configured so that the position of the bookand pages is consistently located in proper relationship to theprogrammed regions for specific symbols. Consistent book positioning isaccomplished by providing a slot to accommodate the binding of the book.The pages of the book lie flat because the book is bound by, forexample, a spiral, comb, or other ring type binding that allows thepages fall open and lie flat on a surface. Spiral binders are desirableas they allow a book to be manufactured at less cost, than for example,a book with a ring type binder. In embodiments of the invention, thepages of the book are positioned consistently because of several designfeatures of the platform and book. Guide tabs, which are described ingreater detail below, guide a page of the book as it is turned and fallsinto a recessed form of the platform that captures and evenly stacks thepages.

The platform may additionally have a socket to receive a flash cartridgeor other memory device for augmenting any story or other materialcontained in the microprocessor and associated computer elements. Inother embodiments, the platform may have a wireless transceiver thatreceives augmenting information for the print medium on the platform.Another wireless transceiver may be located at a computer apparatus(e.g., a client computer) that is away from the platform. This wirelesstransceiver may supply the augmenting information. The wirelesstransceivers may be adapted to transmit or receive wireless signalsusing RF (radio-frequency) or IR (infrared) transmission.

In some embodiments, data that modifies code in the print mediareceiving unit may be provided via the cartridge or the wirelesstransceiver. Data may be used to add code or update code that is presentin the print media receiving unit. For example, data that replaces codeor modifies how the code is interpreted or run on the print mediareceiving unit may be provided to the print media receiving unit via thecartridge of the wireless transceiver.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of one embodiment of a type of print mediadesigned for use in the inventive interactive print media system. Theprint medium shown in FIG. 3 is a book showing a portion of a spiralspine. However, it is understood that the design of the platform mayaccommodate any print medium. For example, the design may accommodateprint media in the form of single sheets or books containing multiplepages of text, figures, symbols and other indicia. Suitable singlesheets may include print media in the form of cards or placemats. Inthese single sheet embodiments, the print media need not have a spineand the print media receiving unit upon which it is disposed may or maynot have a position element receiving portion that is adapted to receivea spine. The design may also accommodate graphical patterns such asthose that are used in game board designs like checkers, backgammon orother board games. Various media materials, weights and textures can beaccommodated.

Print media designed according to the principles illustrated in FIG. 3are easily placed in a print media platform (shown in FIG. 4) orexchanged for other similarly designed items. The print media may bedesigned for, for example, a young child. The print media designaccording to the illustrated principles settles into its proper locationon the platform automatically or with very little adjustment.

Referring to FIG. 3, page notches 302, 304, 306, and 308 fit over tabsand wedges in the platform, and are described in further detail below.The page notches, when they slide over a tab, position a single pagewith notches into a specific orientation on the platform. If the printmedia is a multi-page book, it is typically bound by a spiral, comb, orring type binding. The perforations in the pages 312 through which thespiral, comb, or ring binding pass, are larger than the diameter of therods forming the spiral, comb, or ring-type binding so that the pages ofthe book may be easily turned. The back and forth movement that thelarge perforations allow is controlled by page notches 302, 304, 306,and 308 which fit over positioning tabs on the platform. When the pagenotches fit over the tabs, the pages may move as far away from thespiral or ring binding as the size of the perforations will allow.

In some embodiments, sharp edges and square corners were avoided wherepossible everywhere on the printed media. Eliminating sharp edges andsquare corners reduced the possibility of the pages potentially catchingand snagging on the borders or edges in the platform and prevented thepage corners from becoming dog eared.

A spiral binding 310 was used in the embodiment shown to optimize costand strength considerations. Since a spiral has a pitch (e.g., adistance between adjacent windings in a spiral spine), a page on theleft hand side of the binding was somewhat displaced from the page onthe right hand side. It can be seen from FIG. 3 that the page travelsdown the spiral binding 310 as it is turned from right to left. It cansimilarly be seen in FIG. 3 that the top perforation of the left handpage is offset lower than the top perforation of the right hand page.The offset, illustrated as a distance A in FIG. 3, is equal to orsubstantially equal to the pitch of the spiral binding. The tabs in theplatform, over which the page notches fit, are positioned to accommodatethis offset.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the platform 400. A long slot 414 inthe center of the platform accommodates binding 310, or otherpositioning element, of a multi-page book. The slot width is greaterthan the spiral or other binding used, so that a positioning element,like a binding, can float to a neutral position in relationship to theleft and right sides. The pages of the book can fall flat into arecessed area 402 of sufficient depth to capture the pages of the book.The recessed area 402 is formed by two portions that are joined byhinges. Each recessed area region on each portion of the platform isbordered on three sides by edges 404. In some instances, the edges 404may be referred to as retention borders. The borders restrain pagemovement in the direction of the borders. The borders restrict ordetermine the farthest distance away from the spine the page or pagescan travel, in other words, the extreme of travel.

Although the position element receiving portion shown in FIG. 4 is along slot 414, the position receiving element may have other forms inembodiments of the invention. For example, the position elementreceiving portion may be a recess in some embodiments. In otherembodiments, the print media receiving unit need not have a positionreceiving element to keep the print medium on the print media receivingunit consistently positioned. For example, the print media receivingunit may include one or more positioning devices that can secure theprint medium to the print media receiving unit. Examples of positioningdevices may include clips, clamps, and re-positionable adhesives. Theseor other positioning devices can temporarily secure a print medium tothe print media receiving unit so that it is consistently positioned onit. The positioning devices may be disposed under the print media or mayalternatively be disposed to an edge of the print medium. For example,the print medium may be secured to the surface of the print mediareceiving unit by one or more clips or clamps that secure the edges ofthe print medium to the print media receiving unit. In another example,the print medium may have notches at its edges and may be positioned bystructures on the print media receiving unit that fit within thosenotches. The movement of the print medium can thus be confined, and theprint medium can be consistently positioned on the surface of the printmedia receiving unit.

Tabs 406, 408, 410, and 412 are located on the internal corners of therecessed area regions, near opposing ends of the slot 414. They arepositioned so that page notches 302, 304, 306, and 308 fit over thetabs.

FIG. 5 shows a detail of tab 408 and illustrates features common to eachof tabs 406, 408, 410, and 412. The side walls 502 of the tab 408 have aslight taper or draft so a page that falls on top of the tab will beeasily guided down the tab toward the border edge 404, where the pagemovement will be stopped. This design makes for very easy page turningand moves the page into recess 402 toward the opposite border. Therecesses 402 may be offset to accommodate the offset, if any, of thepages of the open book on opposite sides of the spine. Preferably, forsmooth operation, the draft on tabs 406, 408, 410, and 412 is betweenabout 5 degrees and about 7 degrees, though it may be larger or smallerthan that amount and still work properly. For similar reasons, toincrease the ease of page turning without the page becoming caught onthe tabs, the top edge of each tab 504 was slightly chamfered to allowthe page or sheet to self-guide easily down over the tab. The degree ofchamfer may vary. In some embodiments, the chamfer may be a 30 degreechamfer (or less).

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8C, and 9, the platform may be configured tochange from an open to a closed position as portions are joined by oneor more hinges about slot 414. Tabs 406, 408, 410, and 412, shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, also provide a retention feature for the print media whenthe platform is folded with the print media in place inside the closedplatform. The print media cannot be extracted or fall through the openslot area 414 because of the step created by the tabs 406, 408, 410, and412. Tabs 406, 408, 410, and 412 can be configured in other shapes thanthose shown in the Figures. The tabs can be, for example, square,semicircular or points like, for instance, a tip or head of a pin.

When a multi-page book is being used in the platform, it is helpful tobreak some section of border 404 to make it easier to grasp pages forturning or to remove the book entirely. In the embodiments shown, thisfeature was presented in the form of finger wells, 416, 418, 420, and422. As shown in FIG. 4, finger wells 418 and 420 run along the long,side, edges of the book pages, while finger wells 416 and 422 run alongthe top edges. As shown in FIG. 4, the finger well pairs 416 and 418,and 420 and 422 may be integrally formed with respect to each other andeach pair may form a perpendicular depression coinciding with a cornerof a page of the book.

In some embodiments, the finger wells contained a mechanism to signalthe microprocessor that the user was turning the page. For example, alight beam was established in the finger wells. When the light beam wasbroken, a signal was sent to the microprocessor that a page turningattempt had been made. This signal prompted the microprocessor to issuea query to the user, reminding him or her to touch the stylus to apage-number symbol in the book. This is particularly useful whenchildren are using the book. To reinforce the likelihood that the userwould turn pages from the finger well, the border height 404 in allother areas was constructed to make it difficult to access the pages orsheets, thereby encouraging the user to place the finger in the desiredlocation for all page turns.

FIG. 6A shows detail of finger wells 416 and 418 that may be used inembodiments of the invention. The length of the finger wells was held toa length that provided an opening large enough to be comfortable foraccess to the sheet or page edge and to provide a reasonable operatingspace for optical-electronic emitting and detection devices 602. Inaddition, the border edge 404 was of sufficient length to secure andretain the page or sheet position in recess 402.

In this embodiment, an aperture is created at each end of finger wells418 and 422. These apertures are in vertical and horizontal alignmentwith each other. Behind these apertures, a set of positioning ribs andlight barriers are formed in the housing for the purpose of positioningand securing a light emitting diode at one end and a light detectingdiode at the other. The light emitting diode and the light detectingdiode may be in-line and/or squared with each other. These devices arerecessed to reduce the interference of ambient light and to reduce therisk of light “bouncing” around a finger or obstruction and being “seen”by the detector. As a finger enters the finger well, the light beambetween the devices 602 (a light emitter at one end and an associatedlight detector at the other end) is broken and the microprocessoroperating system will suspend any response the system would normallymake if the user touches the stylus to a symbol in the book. Instead,the audio system is overridden by an audio prompt to the user to touchthe stylus to a page number symbol. For example, the audio prompt maybe, “Touch the Green Go Button at the side of the page”. After the “GoButton” is touched with the stylus, the operating system selects theproper response code set for the page or sheet in use.

In one book embodiment, “Green Go Buttons” are incorporated into theborder artwork for all pages and cover of each book or each sheet oftext or graphics. These Go Icons are in slightly different locations oneach page. That is, they are indexed along the edge of the page, and aregiven a location reference and value in the software code. This codewill be different for each page within a book or sheet within a set.This code then identifies the page and allows access to the codeappropriate to that page.

The software operating system controls the function and response to anobstruction of the light beam between the devices 602 in finger wells418 and 422. It may have a lock out feature that disables the fingerdetection function should the IR emitting device fail or if the detectorfails or is blocked for an extended period. This failsafe routine willallow continued use of the product but without the “Touch the Go Button”prompt. The prompt routine will be reestablished if the blockage isremoved or if the light emitting diode(s) (LED(s)) is repaired.

Top finger wells 416 and 418, allow the user to access the page from thetop, but those finger wells may be short so that part of the hand isbound to obstruct the top light emitter or detector. Typically, thelight beam used is an infrared (1R) light beam generated by an LED.

FIG. 6B shows a cross section of the finger well 418. A slight recess inthe area of the finger well 418 and directly under the edge of the sheet370 makes it easier to lift a page at that location. The surface of theplatform portion 462 and the bottom of the finger well 418 may beseparated by a distance B. The page 370 extends over the edge of thesurface of the platform portion 462 a distance C, so that a user'sfingers can manipulate the sheet 370. The user is encouraged to use thefinger well location to turn pages, to more likely trigger the lightbeam detection and subsequent prompt for entering the page number symbolwith the stylus.

FIG. 7 shows a Flow Chart of the finger well light beam logic used inembodiments of the invention. Table I, below, specifies the code datafields to be used in the finger well process diagramed in FIG. 7.

TABLE I Model Data Fields Down Transition GAS When the beam of eitherone of the finger LED's List is broken, this GAS is played. If empty,nothing is played. Hold GAS List When the beam of either one of thefinger LED's is broken and foreground (FG) audio is done, then play thisGAS. Up Transition GAS When the beam of either one of the finger LED'sList was broken and now is not broken, play this GAS. This GAS can alsobe used to handle user idle prompts by creating a GAS with waits andre-prompts. User Prompt GAS This GAS is played if the user touches apage of List the book other than on a page pointer or volume adjuster,after doing a finger LED down transition.In the Flow Chart and Table I, DT means a down transition, of anobstruction, like a finger, into the light beam; UT means an uptransition, of an obstruction, like a finger, into the light beam; GASmeans generic audio sequence; BG means background; FG means foreground;and E means Event. There may be several types of GASes, as identified inTable 1. A GAS list is a series, or list, of different prompts that arecycled.

The algorithm for detecting if a finger is in the finger well or is notin the finger well includes mechanisms for determining a broken lightbeam in the finger well (always detecting a finger) and filters to keepvery short finger well breaks (like a card flicking through the well)from being detected as a finger in the well. The software polls thefinger well LED whenever the detector determines that the pen is notnear the surface. The software filters the finger well polls so that ashort break will not cause a down transition. If the finger welldetector sees the beam broken for too long it will signal an uptransition and clear the down status. It will not signal a downtransition again until the beam is detected as unbroken for a period oftime.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show three views of a foldable platform 800 havinga booklet bound by a spiral binder on the foldable platform. FIG. 8Ashows the placement of a speaker 802 and cartridge 804 in one possibleembodiment of the invention. An indentation 806 outside the borderprovides a location to store a stylus 808 when the platform is broughtto a closed configuration. The cartridge 804 may be disposed in a socketin a side of the platform. FIG. 8B shows a bottom side view of theplatform 800, when it is in the open position. FIG. 8C shows a side viewof the platform on the side that has the cartridge 804. An optionalstylus holder 812 may be included to hold the stylus 812. FIG. 9 shows aside view of a partially closed platform with a booklet in place.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a flat rigid platform 1001 that doesnot fold. The platform 1001 includes a recessed area 1014 for a printmedium (not shown). In some embodiments, the recessed area 1014 may bereferred to as a “cavity” for the print medium. A recess 1004 for abinding of a print medium may also be provided at the upper surface ofthe platform 1001.

Finger wells 1008(a), 1008(b) may be disposed in the platform 1001 toassist a user in turning the pages of the print medium. One of thefinger wells 1008(a) may have a portion disposed to a left side of therecessed area 1014. The other finger well 1008(b) may have a portiondisposed to a right side of the recessed area 1014. Each finger well1008(a), 1008(b) may include an IR aperture 1006 at one end for emittingor receiving an IR signal from the other end of the finger well.

A stylus (not shown) may be stored in an indentation 1102 when theplatform 1001 is not being used. A cable (not shown) for the stylus maybe supplied through an exit area 1104 in the platform 1001. In someembodiments, the cable may be a retractable cable.

An on/off switch 1010 may be disposed at an upper surface of theplatform 1001 to turn it on and off. Batteries (or other electricalsupply mechanism) may be provided through a door 1009 to power theplatform 1001. A socket 1012 may be provided in the platform 1001 sothat a storage device such as a data cartridge (not shown) may beinserted into the socket 1012.

In some embodiments, the rigid platform 1001 is not configured to hold abook and may or may not use page tabs. In this embodiment, the platformis configured to accept sheet documents, game boards, or molded orformed rigid media. Examples of molded or formed rigid media include,for example, three-dimensional reliefs of a stovetop, topographical map,racetrack, or fantasy scene. Each can be accompanied with associatedgames or learning audio. Another example of a molded ridged media wouldbe a representation of a battlefield, including an authentic historicalmodel.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an open book 1310 disposed on a platform 1310of a print media receiving unit. A stylus 1312 is operatively coupled toplatform 1310. The open book 1310 has a spiral spine and fits within arecess in the platform 1310. The pages of the open book 1310 may includesymbols 1314 for controlling the volume of sound heard through a speaker1320. The user may use the stylus 1312 and touch or nearly touch thevolume control symbols 1314 to turn the volume up or down by selecting a“+” or “−” symbol. Other symbols 1316 may be provided on the pages(e.g., at the borders) of the book 1310 to hear words, spell words,and/or sound out words that are selected on the pages of the open book1310. For example, in the Figure, a “spell it” symbol may be selectedfirst and then the word “leg” on the page can be selected by the user.The user will subsequently hear the sequence of letters l-e-g throughthe speaker 1320. Other symbols may be provided on the pages of the book1310. For example, the user may select symbols for interactive games andlearning activities. For example, after selecting a game symbol, aspeech synthesizer in the platform may say “can you find a word with theletter L?” and the user can respond in kind by selecting the appropriateword with the stylus 1312. In addition to having interactive symbolsprinted on the pages of the open book 1310, interactive pictures andwords may also be printed on the pages. For example, words or picturesmay be highlighted to indicate to the user that they are selectable, andthat the user will hear or see an audio or visual response to theselection. For instance, the user may select a picture of a fan and thesound of a fan may be produced by the platform.

Although the use of a stylus to select various print elements on a printmedium have been described, it is understood that embodiments of theinvention may respond to other stylus movements. For example, the printmedia receiving unit may respond to the user when the user lifts thestylus off of a print medium disposed on the surface of the print mediareceiving unit. In another embodiment, the print media receiving unitmay respond when the stylus is held over a particular print element onthe print medium for a predetermined period of time. In yet anotherembodiment, the print media receiving unit may respond to the use whenthe stylus is dragged through a print element (e.g., a symbol), into aprint element, or out of a print element. For example, the print mediumon the print media receiving unit may have a circle printed on it. Astylus can be dragged laterally across the circle. The print mediareceiving unit may respond when the stylus enters the circle from theedge of the circle, and may further respond if the stylus exits thecircle. In another example, the user may drag the stylus across a wordsuch as “sun” and the print media receiving unit may sound out theletters s-u-n.

In preferred embodiments, the detection system in the platform andstylus comprises dual transmitting RF antennas located in the platformunder the print media receiver and a receiving antenna located in thestylus, combined with a microprocessor and position calculatingalgorithms. This electrographic detection system is the subject of apatent application filed by the assignee of the present application. Theco-pending application, incorporated herein by reference, is entitled“Electrographic Position Location Antenna System And Method,” Ser. No.60/200,722, filed Apr. 27, 2000.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention andmodifications thereof have been described in detail herein, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments and modifications, and that other modifications andvariations may be affected by one of ordinary skill in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in theappended claims. Moreover, one or more features of one or moreembodiments may be combined in any suitable manner without departingfrom the scope of the invention.

1. An interactive print media system comprising: a print media receivingunit comprising: (a) a platform including a spine receiving portion,wherein the platform is foldable about the spine receiving portion; (b)borders located on the platform at one or more extremes of page travelaway from the spine receiving portion and the borders defining arecessed area; (c) a stylus coupled to the platform via a cable; (d) alocation detection system capable of determining a location of a regionof the print medium selected by the stylus, wherein the locationdetection system includes a first antenna in the platform and a secondantenna in the stylus; and (e) a socket in the platform, wherein thesocket is capable of receiving a memory device; and a multipage book foruse on the platform, wherein the multipage book comprises a spine to bereceived in the spine receiving portion, and a page with a printedsymbol for adjusting the volume of the print media receiving unit, or aprinted symbol for spelling words in the print medium, wherein the printmedia receiving unit is programmed to (i) adjust the volume of the printmedia receiving unit when the printed symbol for adjusting the volume ofthe print media receiving unit is selected by the stylus, or (ii) tospell words in the print medium when the printed symbol for spellingwords in the print medium is selected by the stylus, wherein themultipage book has the printed symbol for adjusting the volume of theprint media receiving unit, and the printed symbol for spelling words inthe print medium.
 2. An interactive print media system comprising: aprint media receiving unit comprising: (a) a platform including a spinereceiving portion, wherein the platform is foldable about the spinereceiving portion; (b) borders located on the platform at one or moreextremes of page travel away from the spine receiving portion and theborders defining a recessed area; (c) a stylus coupled to the platformvia a cable; (d) a location detection system capable of determining alocation of a region of the print medium selected by the stylus, whereinthe location detection system includes a first antenna in the platformand a second antenna in the stylus; and (e) a socket in the platform,wherein the socket is capable of receiving a memory device; and amultipage book for use on the platform, wherein the multipage bookcomprises a spine to be received in the spine receiving portion, and apage with a printed symbol for adjusting the volume of the print mediareceiving unit, and a printed symbol for spelling words in the printmedium, wherein the print media receiving unit is programmed to (i)adjust the volume of the print media receiving unit when the printedsymbol for adjusting the volume of the print media receiving unit isselected by the stylus, or (ii) to spell words in the print medium whenthe printed symbol for spelling words in the print medium is selected bythe stylus, wherein the printed symbol for adjusting the volume of theprint media receiving unit comprises a minus symbol or a plus symbol. 3.An interactive print media system comprising: a print media receivingunit comprising: (a) a platform including a spine receiving portion,wherein the platform is foldable about the spine receiving portion; (b)borders located on the platform at one or more extremes of page travelaway from the spine receiving portion and the borders defining arecessed area; (c) a stylus coupled to the platform via a cable; (d) alocation detection system capable of determining a location of a regionof the print medium selected by the stylus, wherein the locationdetection system includes a first antenna in the platform and a secondantenna in the stylus; and (e) a socket in the platform, wherein thesocket is capable of receiving a memory device; and a multipage book foruse on the platform, wherein the multipage book comprises a spine to bereceived in the spine receiving portion, and a page with a printedsymbol for adjusting the volume of the print media receiving unit, or aprinted symbol for spelling words in the print medium, wherein the printmedia receiving unit is programmed to (i) adjust the volume of the printmedia receiving unit when the printed symbol for adjusting the volume ofthe print media receiving unit is selected by the stylus, or (ii) tospell words in the print medium when the printed symbol for spellingwords in the print medium is selected by the stylus, wherein theplatform includes tabs at opposite ends of the spine receiving portion.4. An interactive print media system comprising: a print media receivingunit comprising: (a) a platform including a spine receiving portion,wherein the platform is foldable about the spine receiving portion; (b)borders located on the platform at one or more extremes of page travelaway from the spine receiving portion and the borders defining arecessed area; (c) a stylus coupled to the platform via a cable; (d) alocation detection system capable of determining a location of a regionof the print medium selected by the stylus, wherein the locationdetection system includes a first antenna in the platform and a secondantenna in the stylus; and (e) a socket in the platform, wherein thesocket is capable of receiving a memory device; and a multipage book foruse on the platform, wherein the multipage book comprises a spine to bereceived in the spine receiving portion, and a page with a printedsymbol for adjusting the volume of the print media receiving unit, or aprinted symbol for spelling words in the print medium, wherein the printmedia receiving unit is programmed to (i) adjust the volume of the printmedia receiving unit when the printed symbol for adjusting the volume ofthe print media receiving unit is selected by the stylus, or (ii) tospell words in the print medium when the printed symbol for spellingwords in the print medium is selected by the stylus, wherein the pagesof the print medium comprise notches at the ends of the spine.
 5. Aninteractive print media system comprising: a print media receiving unitcomprising: (a) a platform including a spine receiving portion, whereinthe platform is foldable about the spine receiving portion; (b) borderslocated on the platform at one or more extremes of page travel away fromthe spine receiving portion and the borders defining a recessed area;(c) a stylus coupled to the platform via a cable; (d) a locationdetection system capable of determining a location of a region of theprint medium selected by the stylus, wherein the location detectionsystem includes a first antenna in the platform and a second antenna inthe stylus; and (e) a socket in the platform, wherein the socket iscapable of receiving a memory device; and a multipage book for use onthe platform, wherein the multipage book comprises a spine to bereceived in the spine receiving portion, and a page with a printedsymbol for adjusting the volume of the print media receiving unit, or aprinted symbol for spelling words in the print medium, wherein the printmedia receiving unit is programmed to (i) adjust the volume of the printmedia receiving unit when the printed symbol for adjusting the volume ofthe print media receiving unit is selected by the stylus, or (ii) tospell words in the print medium when the printed symbol for spellingwords in the print medium is selected by the stylus, wherein the printmedia receiving unit is programmed to adjust the volume of the printmedia receiving unit when the printed symbol for adjusting the volume ofthe print media receiving unit is selected by the stylus, and spellwords in the print medium when the printed symbol for spelling words inthe print medium is selected by the stylus.